Beenhakker gets thumbs up

And that the legacy of the recent success into next year’s final will live on for many years to come.

Phillips, who witnessed the 1-0 win over Bahrain in Manama earlier this month, expressed his confidence in the Soca Warriors from the United States where he is away on personal business.

"We have a world class coaching staff led by Leo Beenhakker who has demonstrated an incredible ability in getting the most out of individual players in a manner that lead to improved team performances," he said.

"In addition, the senior players include a wiser and hungrier Dwight Yorke, the brilliance and street smarts of Russell Latapy, elegance and eloquence of Shaka Hislop, the spiritual guidance of Marvin Andrews, and the mental fortitude of Stern John," Phillips told TTFF Media. "The saying goes, ‘Be careful for what you ask for, you just might get it’. The euphoria of qualifying will soon give way to the bracing reality that Brazil, Holland or Germany could be our World Cup opponents. Needless to say, the first matter of business is the proper preparation of our team and I feel good about our ability to rise to this task because never before in our history has there been such a collective and cooperative effort on the part of leading football minds in Trinidad and Tobago," Phillips said.

"Central to this spirit of collective wisdom is the leadership of Jack Warner. Without Jack’s will, dedication, and vision, the Soca Warriors would not be where they are today. The 2005 team also had the best leadership I have ever seen on any Trinidad and Tobago team," the former outstanding national goalkeeper said.

"However, though the vast resources of the government and corporate Trinbago are being applied to football in an unprecedented manner, we are about to tangle with the big boys.

More resources and co-operation will be needed from all sectors of society," Phillips said. "The minor attempts of psychological warfare experienced in the Bahrain series, in the form of the Nakhid and Jamaica training camp controversies, distracted us.

The fact is we must do better as a society to stay unified and focused on the goals established by Jack and Leo," he said. "Crucial to the team’s ability to perform their best is the ability of the general public to identify, understand, and be ready for attempts to undermine our team. In short, we must grow up as a football nation. Our diehard fans must lead the way," Phillips said.

"The talk about ‘waggonism’ and ‘fair weather fan support’ must give way to the central question: ‘What can I do to help?’," Phillips explained. He also spoke on how the current success will be capitalised on to ensure a stable future for TT’s football.

"We are poised to maximise the blessing in Bahrain once it is confirmed that all hands are on deck.

The relevant role football plays in bringing people together can help usher in a new and golden era in sport for Trinidad and Tobago. It is important that we recognise and seize this opportunity," he said.

Meanwhile, Beenhakker was scheduled to arrive in Trinidad yesterday from Holland, the first time since the Warriors historic win over Bahrain.

He will meet with Jack Warner and other TTFF officials over matters pertaining to the team and upcoming preparations.